SÃO PAULO, Brazil — Two decades after one of the most chaotic and unforgettable races in Formula 1 history, Fernando Alonso returns to Interlagos with a chance to equal one of Michael Schumacher’s long-standing records. The Aston Martin driver, now 44 years old, can claim his 10th career podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix — tying Schumacher’s mark — if he can navigate another unpredictable race weekend in São Paulo.

But for Alonso, this circuit represents much more than statistics. It’s a place forever linked to one of the most frightening — and formative — moments of his career.

A Veteran’s Return to a Special Circuit

After a turbulent season with Aston Martin, who currently sit seventh in the constructors’ standings, Alonso has rediscovered flashes of his trademark competitiveness at Interlagos. The Spaniard qualified fifth for Saturday’s sprint and finished sixth, showing improved pace and control in mixed conditions. For Sunday’s Grand Prix, however, he’ll start from 11th on the grid — the same position from which he began one of the most dramatic races of his life 22 years ago.

Interlagos has long been one of Alonso’s strongest venues. In nine of his previous races here, he’s stood on the podium — but never on the top step. Despite being a two-time Formula 1 World Champion and one of the sport’s most decorated drivers, Brazil remains a rare circuit where he’s never tasted victory.

Now, as he nears the twilight of his career, the chance to tie Schumacher’s record and once again conquer Interlagos — if only symbolically — carries deep personal meaning.

Remembering the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix

The 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix remains one of Formula 1’s most notorious races — a chaotic, rain-soaked event that produced an unlikely winner in Giancarlo Fisichella and a terrifying crash that nearly ended Alonso’s young career.

Driving for Renault, the 21-year-old Spaniard had been running in third place when a sequence of accidents unfolded in front of him. Moments after Mark Webber’s Jaguar slammed into the concrete barrier at over 150 mph, scattering debris across the circuit, Alonso — unaware of the wreckage ahead — plowed into it at nearly 270 km/h.

The impact was devastating. His car bounced violently off the tyre wall, and he came to rest in a heap of carbon fiber and smoke.

“If he hadn’t been wearing the HANS device, Fernando could have died,” recalled Alex Dias Ribeiro, the driver of the FIA’s medical car that day. “This system lessened the impact.”

The crash forced race officials to red-flag the event after just 55 laps, cutting short what was scheduled to be a 71-lap race. Fisichella, who had taken the lead from Kimi Räikkönen just moments before the carnage, was later confirmed as the winner.

Alonso, still dazed but conscious, was stretchered into an ambulance. Despite the severity of the crash, he escaped with only minor injuries — and, strangely, his first Formula 1 podium.

“The HANS device did its job,” Alonso later said. “When I hit the tyres, my neck was stable. That’s why I think it’s so important. With that kind of impact, you usually suffer neck pain afterwards — and I didn’t have any problems.”

That bizarre podium finish marked the beginning of a legendary career that would include two world championships, 32 Grand Prix victories, and countless displays of determination and grit — the same qualities that have defined his 2025 resurgence.

Fighting Spirit, Enduring Legacy

Fast-forward to today, and Alonso remains one of the most respected and relentless competitors in Formula 1. While Aston Martin’s 2025 campaign has been marred by inconsistency and reliability issues, the Spaniard’s hunger hasn’t waned.

“Interlagos has always been a special place for me,” Alonso said this week. “It’s where I learned how quickly things can change in this sport — in one second, you can lose everything or gain everything. That’s why I still love racing here.”

The circuit’s undulating layout, unpredictable weather, and passionate Brazilian fans have long made it one of the sport’s great venues — and one of Alonso’s favorites. As he eyes Schumacher’s record, there’s poetic symmetry in returning to the site of both his first podium and one of his closest brushes with disaster.

A Chance to Make History

A podium finish on Sunday would not only tie Alonso with Schumacher for most Brazilian GP podiums (10) but would also underline his longevity — a career spanning more than 370 Grand Prix starts and two generations of rivals.

Even if he doesn’t stand on the top step, a strong finish at Interlagos would symbolize a full-circle moment for one of Formula 1’s fiercest warriors.

Two decades ago, Fernando Alonso left Brazil on a stretcher. This weekend, he could leave on the podium — as part of history.